Your elbow comprises the two bones that make up your forearm and the humerus, or upper arm bone. This hinge joint allows you to bend and straighten your arm as well as rotate your forearm to turn your hand up and down. While there are innumerable ways that you can break your elbow, the most common culprits are falling on your outstretched hand while trying to break your fall or receiving a direct blow to your elbow. Rehabilitation for a broken elbow includes exercises to help restore range of motion to the joint.
Wrist Flexion and Extension
Sit down at a table with your forearm resting on the table and hand hanging freely over the edge. Bend your wrist down as far as you can as if you were trying to touch the inside of your forearm with your fingertips. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and then pull your wrist back as far as you can as if you were trying to touch the back of your forearm with your knuckles. Hold for about 10 seconds. Relax and repeat.
Forearm Pronation and Supination
Sit or stand with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and your forearm about parallel to the ground. Begin with your palm facing down. Rotate your forearm until your palm is facing up and hold this position for about 10 seconds. Now rotate your forearm until your palm is facing the ground. Hold this position for about 10 seconds. When performing this exercise, it is important that your elbow is tucked into your side.
Elbow Bend to Straighten
Stand with your arms resting by your sides and your feet about shoulder-width apart. Bend and straighten your elbow as far as you can, holding each movement for about five seconds. Be sure to stop and alert your doctor or therapist if this exercise causes severe pain. Try to perform between 10 and 20 repetitions of this exercise as directed by your doctor or therapist.
Assisted Elbow Flexion and Extension
These exercises require you to use your good arm to force your elbow beyond its ability to bend and straighten on its own. Rest your elbow on the edge of a bench or table with your palm facing your body. Straighten your elbow as far as you can using the muscles of your injured arm. Reach up with your other arm and place your fingers on your forearm. Use your other arm to push down on your forearm to straighten your elbow even more. Be sure that you stop immediately if you feel severe pain. Now, bend your elbow as far as you can and use your opposite hand to bend it even further. Hold each position for about 10 seconds. Relax and repeat.
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